A Little About Me:
I love all things outdoors! Whether it is growing vegetables, visiting local farms, or going on weekends away to the countryside...Nature gets me every time! And now, I am in a position to share this passion and pass on my love for nature to people of all ages, from all over the world!
Having lived in the South of England for all my life, I am now beginning a new adventure at the other end of the country, but I don't want to keep it all to myself. My dream is to create a space that is open to everyone, no matter what your age, ability, or experience! So come and join me!
The Plan:
I have 20 acres of croft land up in the Northern Highlands, just outside of the village of Lairg. With your help, I will turn this in to a community space, where people from all over can come and help manage and work the land. We will have a giant poly tunnel, fruit trees, free range chickens and bee hives; 100% of produce from here will head straight back in to the local community...helping those who are unable to get to the shops, or simply can't afford fresh fruit and vegetables. I will continue to live on site, welcoming our visitors, and ensuring the project is being as effective as possible.
Families, schools, and colleges will be welcome to come and learn just where their food comes from, taking part in activities such as planting seeds, collecting vegetables and how to look after woodland and livestock. Of course, this will be entirely free of charge.
I love bees! I have always found them fascinating, and in a world where they seem to be dying off, I want to help them establish themselves back in The Highlands. We will introduce colonies and hives on to the land, which will in time help pollinate the community space, as well as educate children about their vital role in this world.
The animal sanctuary will be part of this 20 acres. Many farm animals are discarded when they are too old to be used for meat, to breed or to work. Our space will be a safe haven for ALL animals, where they can live out their natural lives in peace with the best treatment possible! Our visitors will of course be welcome to get involved with the animals too...learning vital lessons on how to look after animals responsibly.
The entire 20 acres is currently laid with heather and bracken. There will be an initial massive push to prepare the land for the poly tunnel, and to ensure there is sufficient grazing for the animal sanctuary. Planting of the new orchard and woodland will be extremely exciting, and will be fantastic for youngsters to see them grow in to fruition and beginning to give back to the community. A large Nature Reserve will also be created, large amounts of heather will be left untouched, and we will be planting new wild flowers, which in time will attract masses of wildlife.
The continued funding needed to sustain the space will come from 3 luxury shepherds huts, positioned on the land. People from all over the world are actively looking to holiday in such an exceptional spot, many of who are happy to pay for the privilege of working on such a great cause. Our guests will be welcome to work on the land, experiencing a true working-style holiday, or simply enjoy the stunning environment. 100% of income from these huts will go back in to the community space and animal sanctuary, to further help and educate those who need it the most.
An area I am extremely keen to promote is attracting the 'adventure travellers' to Lairg. This village is absolutely stunning, and Loch Shin itself is breath taking! I would love to make this village a must-visit for all hikers, cyclists and extremely-sports fanatics, and will be working closely with local organisations whilst offering high quality and value-for-money accommodation.
The dream for the project is to be 100% off grid, and self sufficient. The shepherds huts will have solar panels and mini wind turbines for power. Water for the entire project will come from a newly dug borehole which offers a free and unlimited water supply. This water will be used to maintain the entire site..which is extremely exciting!!
Where your money will be spent:
- 3 luxury shepherds huts (entirely off grid and self sufficient)
- Initial management of the land, to prepare it for grazing
- The planting of around 100 fruit trees, and 200 trees of other varieties
- Fencing, housing and feed for the initial set up of the sanctuary
- A giant poly tunnel, raised vegetable beds, tools and seeds
- Installing the borehole for running water, which will supply the animals, huts and poly tunnel
This is a massive undertaking, and will need careful planning, management, and months of hard work. But the impact that this project will have, and the lives it will change or inspire, will make it the most rewarding thing anyone can do. Please come and join our journey!